LANSING, Mich. – A small village in Michigan is breathing new life into a local park, aiming to make it universally accessible and a welcoming space for all. The Village of Marcellus is undertaking a project to revitalize a community park by replacing outdated equipment with modern, accessible play structures.
The initiative is gaining momentum through a crowdfunding campaign launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in collaboration with the Village of Marcellus. Utilizing Michigan-based platform Patronicity, the campaign aims to raise $25,400 by November 30. If successful, the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program will match the funds, doubling the investment in this local endeavor. For more details or to contribute, visit patronicity.com/parkreno.
Paula Holtz, MEDC’s Managing Director for Regional Development, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in community spaces, stating, “Developing play spaces that are available and accessible to all members of the community should be standard in our modern placemaking efforts.”
This project, spearheaded by the Marcellus Village Council and the Marcellus Class of 2026, aims to transform the Ray Gyllstrom Memorial Lions Club Park from an underused facility into a vibrant community hub. Initially starting as a Junior Class Project in 2025, it has evolved into a comprehensive plan to create an inclusive playground.
The funds from this campaign will be utilized to replace old and unsafe equipment with ADA-compliant installations, introduce sensory-focused activities, and ensure safety through professional ground surfacing. The renewed park will feature engaging elements like a Buzz Reaction Panel, Beat Club, and a Communication Board.
Debbie Garcia, Deputy Clerk for the Village of Marcellus, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “The Village of Marcellus is absolutely thrilled to utilize the Public Spaces Community Places grant program to breathe new, inclusive life into the Ray Gyllstrom Memorial Park. Our local fundraising efforts are substantially enhanced by the MEDC’s generous matching incentive.”
The PSCP initiative, a joint effort between the MEDC, Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, promotes community-driven projects by offering matching grants. The program has successfully supported 451 projects since 2014, raising over $17.9 million through contributions from more than 81,000 donors.
Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Communities thrive by investing in future generations. Children of all abilities need environments where they can play and be curious.”
For more information on the Public Spaces Community Places initiative, visit Public Spaces Community Places or apply for support at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.
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